Hopes fading for Formula One's Michael Schumacher's recovery

GRENOBLE, France, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Two months after a devastating skiing accident, hopes are fading for recovery of Grand Prix racing driver Michael Schumacher, the New York Times said Thursday.

Schumacher, 45, remains at University Hospital Center in Grenoble, France, not far from the Meribel ski resort where he suffered a concussion in December. After initial reports that his condition had slightly improved his doctors and family ended regular updates.

Schumacher underwent two operations to remove blood clots from his brain but more inoperable clots were imaged deeper in his brain threatening his survival, the Times said. He has been in a medically induced coma since late December.

Medical updates since his surgeries have only characterized his condition as "unchanged."

Anesthesiologist Gary Hartstein, an American based in Belgium who headed Formula One's medical unit until 2012, told the newspaper: "If they're not releasing good news because there is none, then that's very bad news indeed. After eight weeks, if there's no sign of waking, what most people would do is unplug."

Schumacher was skiing with his 14-year-old son on a moderately difficult run when he fell and hit his head on a rock, splitting his helmet.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today’s UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI when after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.